Aged care has lost its cabinet status following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s ministerial reshuffle announced today, a move that comes just seven weeks before sweeping aged care reforms take effect on 1 July. Victorian MP Sam Rae has been named Minister for Aged Care and Seniors in an out-of-ministry role, while South Australian MP Mark Butler, who retains a cabinet position as Minister for Health and Ageing, will also oversee Disability and the NDIS.
Ageing Australia congratulated the new ministers while urging the government to adopt a staged approach to implementing the new Aged Care Act. “We congratulate Mark Butler on his re-appointment and look forward to continuing our relationship in the future,” said Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson. “We also congratulate new Minister Sam Rae on his elevation to the Aged Care portfolio.”
Sam Rae is a second-term MP representing the Victorian seat of Hawke. He is a former State Secretary for the Labor Party.
Sam Rae, newly appointed Minister for Aged Care and Seniors
Mr Symondson acknowledged the contributions of former Minister Anika Wells, saying, ‘We worked closely with Anika and the opposition to garner rare bipartisan support for the new Aged Care Act. We know she truly cares for older Australians and thank her for her support.”
Anika Wells is the new Communications Minister, along with her current role as Minister for Sport.
With the July 1 deadline approaching, Mr Symondson expressed concern over the readiness of the sector to implement the comprehensive reforms. ‘We’re running out of runway for the July 1 deadline, yet aged care providers still don’t have all the necessary information to prepare for these significant reforms,” he said.
“Failure is not an option. If we don’t get this right, we risk widespread confusion for older Australians and a loss of confidence in the sector as a whole.”
Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia
Aged care providers also face significant challenges in addressing a workforce crisis and major sustainability issues, further complicating the rollout of the new Aged Care Act.
The new cabinet will be sworn in tomorrow at 9 am, followed by a full ministry meeting.
